Electrospinning of smart fibrous nanocomposite based on graphene/polydiacetylene

Abstract This study aims to produce smart nanocomposite fibers using the electrospinning method for potential sensing applications. For this purpose, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polydiacetylene (PDA) solutions at two different ratios are prepared and electrospun at the voltage of 15 kV, distance to the collector of 15 cm, and the flow rate of 1 mL/h. To enhance the mechanical properties and sensitivity of the fibers, graphene oxide (GO) is then added to the polymer solution at different percentages of 0.5 to 2 wt%, and electrospinning is performed under the optimized conditions. Based on SEM analysis, with increasing the percentage of GO, the average fiber diameter decreases from 180 nm (without graphene) to 150 nm (1.5 wt% GO) due to the higher conductivity of the polymer solution after incorporation of GO. FTIR spectra reveal the possible hydrogen bonding between the components. In order to investigate the colorimetric behavior of the electrospun nanofibers, they are subjected to various temperatures and pHs, and a color change from bluish‐purple to reddish‐pink is observed due to conformational changes in PDA macromolecules. Finally, DSC results confirm the higher thermal stability of the nanocomposite fibers containing GO. Therefore, the fabricated thermochromic nanofibers are potentially appropriate candidates as sensors.